Congratulations Matt!

 Today Matt had his promotion ceremony. He is now a Captain. Way to go Matt! We're all so very proud of you!!!

One Month Down

Well, we've officially survived the first month of this deployment! It's been quite the ride so far, but I'm certain there are many other challenges ahead too.

The girls and I have been keeping as busy as possible to pass the time. We're in a pretty good routine, and that seems to help all of us!

Since Matt left one month (and one day....but who's counting?) ago:

There have been lots of naps in the car on trips to and from Phoenix

Our little helpers been to Costco a time or two and love riding next to one another in the cart. They sit and giggle together. I wish I could have gotten a better picture. Oh well, there's always next time.

Madilyn has discovered a love for singing. This is her dog, Violet, who she loves to sing with at home. In the car, she's been loving her new Praise Baby CDs. (Frankly, I like them too. They're much better than the VeggieTales!)

Grace has started eating solids on a regular basis. She really doesn't care much for the fruits or veggies yet, but sure does enjoy her oatmeal each night.

Grace has almost mastered sitting alone. Here she's doing a pretty good job while big sis takes a much needed tubby.

But sometimes, when you hear all that super fun splashing behind you, you get pretty curious. So, you just have to check it out yourself!

Really, these photos are just the tip of the iceberg. We are out and about nearly every day doing something. But hey, we're in Los Angeles and the weather couldn't be better. We're seriously blessed to be able to play outside every day!

A little fun in the bath

Six Months

Well, it's official.....Grace is now closer to one than to being a newborn! She's growing and changing every single day and is so much fun to be with.

Here's what she's up to right now:
-Weighs 17.4lbs on our home scale (official weigh-in isn't until May 12)
-Just moved into 12 month clothes!
-Rolls all over the place. This gal gets where she wants to go!
-Loves to eat. Seriously. She's a very happy baby, but don't mess with her food.
-Is sitting unsupported for 1-2 minutes at a time.
-Likes oatmeal, peas, and is still contemplating sweet potatoes
-Is nothing like her older sister. Really. She's so calm (and we really appreciate this)!

Happy Birthday THREE Year Old!!!

A little late, but always better than never!

How is our little lady three years old already? Where do the years go? I'm sure there are many of you who understand exactly what I'm talking about here. The years just go by faster and faster. Has life really gotten that busy? (Yes, actually, it has.)

We had a mini celebration in early April of course, so Matt could be there to wish Miss Madilyn a happy birthday in person. On her actual birthday, we made pink cupcakes and sent them to preschool with her. He teachers said she had a BLAST passing them out to all the kids and telling them she was turning three :) That evening, after school, I brought her In-N-Out and greeted her with her very first chocolate milkshake ever! It was an absolute win. That's a girl after my own heart right there!

After dinner, I took a chocolate cupcake and lit a candle for her. I sang to her and she blew out her candle. Then I handed her a few more gifts Grace had picked out for her big sister. Even though it was small, I think she still had fun.

Easter weekend we drove out to Phoenix where we had another (much bigger) birthday party. Her requests? Pink ponies and a pink cake. Think this gal likes pink a little bit? I think the party was a hit. Madilyn had a wonderful time celebrating with family from both sides (How blessed are we to have so much of our families nearby?!?). She got more presents than she could possibly know what to do with and is having lots of fun with everything!

(I will work on photos later. For now, I'm just trying to get caught up!)